Hernia was founded in 1997 by Jean P. Chevrel with the purpose of promoting clinical studies and basic research as they apply to groin hernias, internal hernias, the abdominal wall (anterior and postero-lateral aspects), the diaphragm and the perineum, the advancement of abdominal wall and hernia surgery in all aspects, the study of anatomical, physiological, pathological and therapeutic issues concerning the abdominal wall and hernias, the creation of associated groups which will promote research and teaching in this field, the development of interdisciplinary relations. Hernia is a journal written by surgeons who have made abdominal wall surgery their special field of interest. The Journal aims at making the surgical daily activities easier and safer and at offering to all surgeons a forum for the exchange of new results and ideas. The European Hernia Society (EHS), established in 1979, the Americas Hernia Society (AHS) established in 1997 and the Asia Pacific Hernia Society (APHS) established in 2004 are affiliated to the journal.